Cultural education at school

Each child must be given the opportunity to develop their creativity in the best way possible. Education is the place where every child can be reached. With the Cultural Education with Quality programme, the Fund, together with governmental authorities, the National Centre of Expertise for Cultural Education and Amateur Arts (LKCA), cultural institutions and schools, is committed to creating a solid foundation for cultural education at school. We do this by stimulating connections between schools and their cultural environments. And by fostering the skills of (prospective) teachers.

Example subsidy schemesMore than half of all primary schools in the Netherlands are working together with cultural institutions to deepen cultural education within the framework of the long-term Cultural Education with Quality scheme. We are implementing this scheme together with the provinces and large municipalities in the Netherlands. With the Music education impulse, we give schools that want to put a special emphasis on music the opportunity to do so. Good music education at primary schools starts with teacher training graduates who are willing and able to give music lessons. We encourage this through the subsidy scheme for the professionalisation of music education in teacher training for primary education. Thanks to subsidies for cultural education in pre-vocational secondary schools (vmbo) and practical training, we make high-quality cultural education easily accessible to the largest group of young people in secondary education.

Cultural participation in leisure time

Around 6 million Dutch people take part in cultural activities. There needs to be something suitable and accessible for everyone. Including those for whom creating culture isn’t a matter of course. From initial introductions to culture to deepening interests and talent development. The way in which people want to create culture is changing. The difference between disciplines, as well as between professionals and amateurs, for example, is no longer self-explanatory. The Fund stimulates the energy and innovation among cultural creators who are responding to these changing requirements.

Example subsidy schemesVia our online platform You are part of it, we support astounding projects in the field of art and heritage that contribute to the innovation of cultural practices. With the long-term Talent and Festivals scheme, the Fund invests in the supervision of young talented cultural creators who want to continue to grow and develop. Special attention is paid to Urban arts talent who are trying to become professionalised. We also provide long-term support to amateur arts festivals and heritage manifestations that make the power of culture and heritage visible. Alongside municipalities, we are investing in Age Friendly Cultural Cities, which bring together care, well-being and culture to enable older people to participate in cultural activities too. We promote international exchange by supporting German-Dutch collaboration in the Young Art scheme, for example.